A show packed with adventure, new music, and vital life lessons

Toured 1st February - 8th March 2024

One summer to shape a lifetime

Zia turned 17 last week. When they arrive at Camp Phoenix for a compulsory weeklong residential, they aren’t sure if it’s for them. The camp helps young people emerge from the dust of their younger selves, just like a phoenix. Through regulated activities, young people develop the skills to rise into the next phase of their lives to become great citizens and employees.

But not everything goes to plan. When Zia and their newfound friends realise that the camp’s values don’t include everyone, they discover that the most valuable lessons are those learnt from the people around them.

What advice do teenagers wish they’d had when they were still kids? Camp Phoenix has been developed through conversations with 650 young people nationwide to find out. 9-year-olds shared their worries, and those aged 16+ responded with expert wisdom. Camp Phoenix shares that wisdom with honesty, hope, and humour.

Camp Phoenix is a brand new show packed with adventure, new music, and vital life lessons, featuring a dynamic cast of professional performers and local young people.

Age Suitability 9+

Running time approximately 65 minutes

Every performance will feature integrated Audio Description - please mention when booking at your local venue if a guided touch tour is required before the performance

#CampPhoenix

Production Photos

Images by Phil Crow Photography

★★★★
“In a time where young people are often ignored and silenced,
shows like Camp Phoenix are vital”
A Young(ish) Perspective

Across the tour, 82 young people have shared the stage with David and Duane ↓

Creatives & Production

Environmental Responsibility

Young people are incredibly concerned about the environment and urgently want the world to prioritise this issue. However, touring, theatre, and public art can be extremely wasteful and have a negative impact on the planet. Zest is therefore working to reduce our work's environmental impact. We want to keep learning and adapting our practice and processes - we’ll therefore be updating the sections below to be transparent about our choices, share our learning, and be accountable for the elements that negatively impact the environment.

Commissioned by Lincoln Arts Centre, Barnsley Civic, and ARC, Stockton.

Developed with the kind support of Gulbenkian Arts Centre and The Albany.

Supported through public money from Arts Council England, together with Garfield Weston Foundation, Boris Karloff Charitable Foundation, Mackintosh Foundation, and The Michael Cornish Charitable Foundation.